--The Times' Mike Bresnahan explains why Lakers guard Kobe Bryant feels he's well enough to play in Sunday's season opener against the Chicago Bulls.

--The Times' Ben Bolch details how NBA teams have handled a frenetic free-agency period.

--The Orange County Register's Janis Carr outlines how Bryant has overcome numerous injuries in his career. 

--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding mentions that Bryant's injury won't require surgery. 

--Lakers Nation's Mark Heisler predicts the Lakers will likely keep the team intact until just before the trade deadline. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky wonders how Bryant's wrist injury will affect him. 

--Sports Illustrated's Lee Jenkins predicts the Lakers will finish first in the Pacific Division. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin relives the uncertainty that the NBA would actually start on Christmas Day. 

--CBS Sports' Matt Moore outlines the positives and negatives between playing Bryant and resting him. 

--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell focuses on Bryant's plans to play through the pain. 

--The Daily News' Elliott Teaford notes Bryant's calm demeanor about his wrist injury.

--Silver Screen and Roll's C.A. Clark calls Jerry Buss the best sports owner. 

Tweet of the Day: "If we reduce Bynum's suspension by one game, does that make up for the whole Chris Paul thing?" -- ZachLowe_SI (Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "So Mike Brown's offense consists of Center in post with the other 4 guys outside ready to shoot 3s? And they say the triangle is boring." -- Pi Ang

-- Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com